I was given a Pinus wallichiana 'Densa Hill' in a pot, 60 cm. tall. I had my doubts about making a bonsai out of it so I planted it in the ground not far from my home. It is thriving! But now I'm having second thoughts about it. What is the bonsai potential of a Wallichiana? Help me to decide, please. Shall I leave it there or dig it up again next spring and get to work?

I'm not familiar with that species and if i google it, all kinds of varieties come up as bonsai except this one. Maybe for a reason...those long falling needles look like they need to be wired . If (and only you know)the tree has an interesting frame and you know you could shorten the needles, then go for it... I wasn't much help, was I...

GašperG wrote:I'm not familiar with that species and if i google it, all kinds of varieties come up as bonsai except this one. Maybe for a reason...those long falling needles look like they need to be wired . If (and only you know)the tree has an interesting frame and you know you could shorten the needles, then go for it... I wasn't much help, was I...

Yes, I'm thinking the same as you. Those needles are VERY long. Perhaps as an extra large bonsai it could be nice, but it would have to be very large. Here is a photo of it the day I planted it outside, but it is now much greener and healthy ...

Maybe I'll leave it grow outside for a few more years and see if it can become a bonsai later.